To bridge the digital divide, Africa is opening up to space connectivity. LEO satellites, powered by players such as Starlink and OneWeb, promise fast internet access in underserved areas, while also posing new technical and regulatory challenges.

By 2024, only 38% of the African population had internet access, compared to 68% globally, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). To bridge this gap, the continent is exploring a solution from space: low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike geostationary (GEO) satellites, positioned more than 35,000 km above Earth, or medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, LEOs orbit between 500 and 2,000 kilometers above Earth. This proximity allows for reduced latency and more stable connections. But beyond simple data transmission, LEO satellites are now establishing a new connectivity paradigm.

A disruptive technology: direct-to-device (D2D)

One of the major benefits of LEO satellites now lies in their ability to offer direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. This technology allows smartphones, sensors, and other devices to communicate directly with satellites, bypassing terrestrial infrastructure such as telecom relays or base stations.

This model redefines the sector’s economies of scale: satellite operators no longer need to invest heavily in expensive reception kits or high-maintenance ground stations. For telecoms, this represents an opportunity to become resellers of space connectivity, accessing satellite capacity without investing in relay towers. Consumers, meanwhile, can connect from anywhere, including in rural areas where investment in telecom infrastructure is still too low. According to the World Bank, less than 20% of people in rural Africa have internet access.

This development helps partially resolve the problem of broadband network coverage, opening the way to new uses (distance learning, e-health, digital financial services, etc.). Ultimately, this improvement in internet access could have a significant economic impact. A 10% increase in mobile internet penetration could lead to a potential 2.5% increase in GDP, according to the World Bank.

Global players already present in Africa

Several space industry giants, often in collaboration with African partners, are deploying their services on the continent. Starlink has established operations in some twenty African countries, facilitating access to connectivity through reception kits or agreements with mobile operators. Recently, Airtel Africa entered into a partnership with Starlink to deploy this satellite internet service in nine African countries: Nigeria, Chad, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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In Mali, Intelsat signed an agreement with Orange in 2022, providing internet access to more than 360,000 people living in rural areas. This project led to the deployment of more than 60 sites in some 30 remote communities, with satellite capacity increased to more than 5 Gbps, compared to just 200 Mbps previously.

Eutelsat, through its subsidiary OneWeb, has partnered with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to connect businesses and institutions in remote areas. Telesat has also signed a strategic agreement with Liquid to introduce its Lightspeed service. Other players such as SES and Lynk Global also offer hybrid GEO/MEO/LEO solutions tailored to the African market.

A fast-growing market

According to Mordor Intelligence, the global low-orbit satellite internet market was valued at approximately USD 176.98 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 284.39 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.95%. This growth is driven by the growing demand for connectivity in unserved areas, as well as strategic uses such as precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and emergency communications.

With the growing deployment of LEO satellites and the gradual adoption of D2D technology, Africa can hope to reach a milestone in its digital transition. But to turn this promise into reality, it is necessary to adapt national regulations, promote targeted subsidy models to reduce access costs, and promote seamless integration between space and terrestrial networks.

Source: Agence Ecofin